Full-Day Scuba Diving Experience of USAT Liberty in Tulamben

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of exploring Bali’s underwater marvels, this full-day scuba experience around Tulamben is hard to beat. It offers a chance to snorkel or dive around the iconic USAT Liberty shipwreck, which has fascinated divers for decades, and to witness vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life. This tour is especially appealing for those seeking both adventure and convenience — thanks to hotel pickups, all necessary equipment, and expert guidance.

One of our favorite aspects is how well it balances thrill and accessibility. Whether you’re a certified diver eager to explore depths or a beginner testing the waters, this experience delivers. That said, a potential consideration is the need to coordinate early morning pickups and booking at least two weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons. This tour caters best to travelers craving a meaningful underwater adventure with solid value and professional support.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Includes two dives at the USAT Liberty and Coral Garden, with all gear provided.
• Expert Guidance: Certified local guides ensure safety and highlight the best spots underwater.
• Flexible for Beginners: Offers options for uncertified divers (try scuba) and certified divers (fun diving).
• Full-Day Convenience: Hotel pickup, transfer, lunch, and entrance fees are all included.
• Ideal for Marine Enthusiasts: Rich marine biodiversity makes each dive visually spectacular.
• Limited Crowds: Only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized experience.

Discovering Tulamben’s Underwater Treasures

The USAT Liberty shipwreck is the star of this tour. Resting just off Bali’s northeastern coast, this wreck has become a magnet for divers from around the world. Its location makes it accessible for both certified and un-certified divers, with depths generally not exceeding 30 meters for fun divers and 12 meters for those trying scuba for the first time. The ship, stranded for decades, is now encrusted with corals and home to countless fish and marine creatures.

We loved the way guides emphasized safety while making sure everyone saw the highlights — whether it’s a shy lionfish peeking out or a school of colorful fusiliers. The wreck’s structure provides plenty of nooks to explore, and the surrounding coral reefs create a vibrant backdrop for marine wildlife.

The Coral Garden is the second dive site, often described as a “beautiful garden in the sea” with abundant corals and a variety of fish. Here, the focus is more on the visual spectacle than wreck exploration. The corals form an intricate, colorful tapestry beneath the surface, making it particularly appealing to photographers and nature lovers.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

Morning Pickup and Meeting
Your day begins early, with hotel pickup at 07:30 AM. This logistics element is a real plus, especially if you’re staying in Jimbaran, Kuta, or Seminyak. The shuttle service is smooth, and the friendly driver often doubles as a local guide, offering tips or answering questions about Bali’s underwater ecosystem.

Arrival and Briefing
By 10:00 AM, you’ll arrive at the designated meeting point, where your instructor and dive guides await. The briefing is comprehensive — they’ll explain safety procedures, hand out detailed instructions, and help you prepare your equipment. The fact that the tour includes a full set of gear, tanks, and weights makes it simple: just show up ready to explore.

First Dive at USAT Liberty
After gearing up, you’ll be assisted by porters who carry your equipment to the dock. The first immersion lasts about 30-45 minutes, giving ample time to marvel at the shipwreck’s encrusted hull, the overgrowth of corals, and the thriving marine life. Reviewers highly appreciated guides like Adie, who was praised for being helpful and showing the best spots, making the experience both safe and enjoyable.

Lunch Break
Around noon, you’ll head to a local restaurant for a well-deserved meal — typically fried rice or noodles, accompanied by a drink. This pause not only refuels your energy but also offers a chance to chat about the morning’s sights and share photos.

Second Dive at Coral Garden
Post-lunch, the adventure continues at Coral Garden, where you’ll spend another 30-45 minutes exploring vibrant coral formations and abundant fish. Many reviewers mention how stunning the coral reefs are, with Kevin noting it as “very good service” and “affordable price,” emphasizing the value.

End of Day and Return
By late afternoon, you’ll be taken back to your hotel, exhausted but exhilarated. The entire day runs approximately 10 hours, with the flexibility to relax and reflect on your marine discoveries.

What’s Included & What to Consider

The tour’s all-inclusive nature is one of its standout features. You get scuba equipment, tanks, weights, entrance tickets, and shuttle transfers, making it a convenient, stress-free experience. Plus, lunch on local cuisine adds to the culture.

For those interested in underwater photography, an optional digital camera rental for $25 USD is available, which is a worthwhile addition if you want to capture the marine life in detail.

One important point: the tour is tailored for most travelers, including uncertified divers under the “Try Scuba” program. However, if you have health issues or are unwell, especially with the flu, it’s best to postpone.

Authentic Experiences & Reviews

What truly distinguishes this experience are the genuine, heartfelt reviews from past participants. A reviewer in August 2022 called it “worth to try” with “very good guidance” and expressed a desire to return for more diving and certification lessons. Another praised the “amazing scenery” and “affordable price,” especially recommending it for beginners.

Adie, the tour operator, personally responded to reviews, emphasizing that beginner divers are welcomed and that the guides are dedicated to showing the best spots while prioritizing safety. These interactions hint at a team committed to delivering authentic and memorable experiences.

Pricing & Value

At $134 USD per person, this tour offers strong value considering what’s included: two dives, equipment, lunch, transportation, and guide services. The convenience and safety support make it a worthwhile investment, especially for those eager to explore Bali’s legendary shipwreck and coral gardens in a single day.

Final Thoughts

This full-day scuba experience around Tulamben balances adventure, comfort, and genuine marine encounters. It’s suited for certified divers looking for a shipwreck exploration as well as beginners interested in trying scuba in a safe and guided environment. The inclusion of hotel transfers and an all-inclusive approach removes much of the typical hassle, allowing you to focus fully on the underwater spectacle.

The guides’ expertise and the stunning underwater scenery make it a highlight for water lovers. It’s a perfect choice if you want a comprehensive, well-organized day that immerses you in Bali’s vibrant marine world without over-complicating logistics.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, starting at 07:30 AM, making the day hassle-free.

How long is each dive?
Each dive lasts approximately 30-45 minutes, giving enough time to explore the wreck and coral gardens at a relaxed pace.

Do I need to be certified to join?
No, uncertified divers can participate under the “Try Scuba” option, with a recommended depth of no more than 12 meters.

What gear is provided?
All necessary scuba equipment, including a full set of gear, tanks, and weights, is included in the price.

Can I rent an underwater camera?
Yes, underwater digital camera rentals are available for $25 USD if you want to capture your underwater moments.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; cancellations less than 24 hours before will not be refunded.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly?
It’s best suited for those who are comfortable in water and physically able, but specific age or health restrictions aren’t provided.

How many people typically join this tour?
Since it’s a private tour, only your group will participate, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

In The Sum Up

This Bali scuba tour around Tulamben’s USAT Liberty and coral gardens offers a well-rounded, authentic dive experience suitable for a wide range of travelers. With knowledgeable guides, all equipment included, and the flexibility for beginners, it delivers excellent value. Whether you’re after the thrill of exploring a famous shipwreck or simply want to see Bali’s underwater beauty, this tour ticks all the boxes.

For those who want a safe, organized, and memorable day beneath the waves, this experience is a top choice. It’s especially perfect for travelers eager to combine adventure with culture, all while enjoying Bali’s natural marine splendor.